New Nets coach Jason Kidd makes pitch to get Lawrence Frank as assistant
Nets head coach Jason Kidd, with his son Chance, throws out the ceremonial first pitch as Phil Hughes of the Yankees looks on before a game against the Los Angeles Dodgers prior to Game 2 of a doubleheader at Yankee Stadium. (June 19, 2013) Credit: Jim McIsaac
In the five seasons he played under Lawrence Frank with the New Jersey Nets, Jason Kidd was an extension of the coach on the floor. That relationship soon might be rekindled with the Brooklyn Nets, but Frank would be an extension of fledgling head coach Kidd on the bench.
Kidd was at Yankee Stadium Wednesday night to throw out the first pitch of the second game of a doubleheader against the Dodgers, and he said Frank and former Nets assistant Roy Rogers are among those under consideration for his staff. The Nets are in the process of scheduling more interviews with potential assistants.
Trust and comfort level are bound to be important for someone making the rare jump from player to head coach, and Frank, who coached Detroit the past two seasons, fits the bill as a well-seasoned adviser. "I've always respected coach Frank," Kidd said. "I kind of publicly recruited him because I really need him and want him. I'm kind of the college recruiter now because he brings a lot to the table. He's had success here and understands the good and the bad, so I'm recruiting him to join my staff."
The first week in his new job has been a hectic one as he works to get organized, Kidd said, and he met Wednesday with point guard Deron Williams. Certainly, that will be a key relationship going forward.
"My job as a coach is to help him, be an extra set of eyes with what I see," Kidd said, "and what he has to do to be a leader and reach his potential to be one of the best players on the court."
Asked if he will have input in next week's NBA draft, Kidd said he'll be "lightly involved. They'll probably ask for my opinion, and that's it."
Kidd was making his first-pitch debut at new Yankee Stadium Wednesday night, but he had the chance to do the pregame honors at old Yankee Stadium when he first joined the Nets. "I'm excited about this," Kidd said. "I hope I throw a strike tonight."
With his 2-year-old son, Chance, by his side, Kidd threw a perfect strike.
